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The Detrimental Effect Of Reality TV On Our Society

Within the past 2 weeks a flurry of what we certainly deem to be warranted criticis has come the way of the infamous Kim Kardashian from some very reputable people in the entertainment industry–namely from the likes of Daniel Craig, John Hamm and Jason Statham. They all took turns harshly criticizing the reality TV star as well as the the current state of reality TV. As a result of this, we have found it absolutely necessary to discuss the myriad of problems with reality television and society today.

When generation X was in its prime, this country was immensely different. A majority of the individuals in our age bracket displayed tact, morals and overall class. People were applauded for doing good deeds and taking part in actions that set good examples in society. The notion of someone doing something stupid, violent, vulgar or against the status quo in the public sphere was frowned upon and downright unacceptable. Modesty and morality kept society going in the right direction for generations but unfortunately in today’s world these safeguards have completely failed.

Although we have fortunately drifted away from our prudish and somewhat impractical past, we might have gone too far into what we deem acceptable, as moral values have drastically changed and made a complete turn for the worst. Controversy sells, and all of the major broadcasters know this. Actions that should be considered laudable and a good example for society have been completely shunned and unrecognized by the American population. We are simply seeking entertainment and a short, titillating thrill through reality television.

Elite Daily finds reality television to be puerile, poorly composed “entertainment”. In generations past, one could find entertainment through quality sitcoms and live shows; television did not feature the infantile trash we see today. Today, our definition of entertainment is watching imbeciles on television in an “unscripted” and the nonsensical antics of their daily lives. Television networks recently reported that 15 of the top 20 highest-rated programs among the adult group were reality or “unscripted” shows. That is truly a staggering number, and the networks love it because through this shoddy content they can demand an extremely high rate of pay from their advertisers.

The highest rated reality TV shows of all? It should be completely unsurprising that they encourage some of the most disgusting and appalling behavior known to mankind. The shows include Keeping Up With The Kardashians—in which the only thing to keep up is Kim’s boyfriends and short-lived marriages, Jersey Shore–a bunch of bridge-and-tunnel guidos having roid rages, and the best one of all, Teen Mom—showcasing the unsavory antics of teenage girls who decide to have kids at the age of 16.

If all of those don’t just yell out terrible, we don’t know what else will. The people that are featured in these TV shows are some of the biggest morons to ever be showcased on television, let alone be offered as legitimate role models. Yet, somehow these shows make millions of dollars featuring “unscripted” foolishness. Indeed, this may correlate with the fact that the average person is an idiot. In fact, I may be writing this article in vain. The individuals who need this article most would not be reading Elite Daily. Those types of unsavory characters frequent sites like Ask Men, and we all know their readers are lost causes.

Kim made more than 12 million dollars from her highly publicized wedding, which ended in 72 days. It is rather peculiar that we are subject to constant debates about gay marriage and the sanctity of marriage when idiocy like this is legitimized. “The Situation” from Jersey Shore makes about 5 million dollars annually. The girls featured in Teen Mom are on the cover of every major tabloid at least once or twice a month. What does this say about our society?

In their second season, the Jersey Shore garnered 5 million viewers in the season premiere. That number is indeed a staggering figure. Kim Kardashian has more followers on Twitter than Barack Obama. That essentially means the people of this country care more about what a washed up amateur porn star has to say than the president of the United States.

Jon Hamm from Mad Men stated: ‘Being a idiot is a valuable commodity in this culture because you’re rewarded significantly.’

His comment is absolutely correct. The millions that are fueling these shows are the ones to blame for the perpetuation of this ignorance; they are the ones that should be held accountable for the misdirection of today’s society.

The masses are allowing these people to be placed in a position to be role models for the next generation. They are also influencing society to emulate these talentless buffoons. If a 15-year-old girl in Kansas sees examples of peers having children, it will serve to legitimize this in her mind. Her fellow teens she views on television are receiving money and notoriety for their actions, what could possibly be wrong?

Daniel Craig has stated: ‘You see that and you think, “What, you mean all I have to do is behave like a idiot on television and then you’ll pay me millions?” It certainly seems logical that people would grasp this notion, as that is what is presented.

Yes the viewers are responsible for this mess, but the networks are as well; the talentless idiots who concoct these shows are all equally responsible. But the biggest blame shall be put on the advertisers, paying top dollar to place their advertisements next to this idiocy. Advertisers pay $200,000-$500,000 for a 30 second ad spot depending on the show. It is through this support that they legitimize these poorly thought out shows.

Our society has been affected in tremendous ways by reality TV. People do not wish to learn about someone doing a rigorous act or accomplishing a great feat; they have shown that they demand classless controversy mixed in with idiocy. Thus, the networks will provide them the supply their demand. Our society is no doubt heading in a dark direction. This country is rebuilding itself on negative values and morals that will ultimately lead to a larger problems. If you ask us, don’t count on this country being a powerhouse much longer if this is what they are feeding the youth.

Editor

Preston Waters is a thinker. He's not your traditional philosophical persona, however, as he leaves no topic untouched. Covering all the bases, from business to women, Preston Waters is the ultimate man's man for Gen-Y.

Preston Waters is a thinker. He's not your traditional philosophical persona, however, as he leaves no topic untouched. Covering all the bases, from business to women, Preston Waters is the ultimate man's man for Gen-Y.